| Combination of | |
|---|---|
| Oxytocin | Hypothalamic hormone |
| Ergometrine | Ergot alkaloid |
| Clinical data | |
| Routes of administration | Intramuscular injection |
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Oxytocin/ergometrine (trade name Syntometrine) is an obstetric combination drug. The components are synthetically produced oxytocin, a human hormone produced in the hypothalamus, and ergometrine, an alpha-adrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonin (5-HT2) receptor agonist.
Both substances cause the uterus to contract. An injection of Syntometrine is given in the third stage of labor, just after the birth of the child to facilitate delivery of the placenta[1] and to prevent postpartum hemorrhage[1] by causing smooth muscle tissue in the blood vessel walls to narrow, thereby reducing blood flow.
- ^ a b NetDoctor.co.uk > Syntometrine Last updated 15.9.2005